Recent Stories

(BPT) - At a time when the strength of the U.S. economy and personal finance is on most renters’ minds, low down payment mortgage options are more appealing than ever. With mortgage interest rates being at historic lows, it is possible to qualify for a home loan while keeping a rainy day fund.

(BPT) - Some moments are etched in our national memory — and the American flag stands at the center of them. Six U.S. Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima during World War II. Buzz Aldrin saluting the flag on the moon’s surface in 1969. Three New York firefighters hoisting the flag above t…

(BPT) - As millions of Americans spend unprecedented amounts of time at home, it also means spending unprecedented amounts of time with their pets. And for cat owners who have sensitivities to cat allergens, this can create unforeseen challenges.

(BPT) - “I tell people it feels like when you're drunk, but without the alcohol. So that means you can't see straight, you can't walk straight, you can't talk. You’re wobbly and all over the place. That's how I feel when I am having a myasthenia gravis flare up.”

(BPT) - The sounds of birds chirping, longer daylight hours, and blooming trees and flowers are signs that warmer weather is on the way. That means more time outside to enjoy nature, but it’s also a sign it might be time for a little maintenance as summer heats up.

(BPT) - What happens when you turn on the shower? In the typical North American home, cold water comes pouring out. Because this is a shock to the body, most people make it a habit to run the shower for a few minutes before getting in.

(BPT) - While the summer months often serve as an important reminder on the dangers of sun exposure, many people may not realize that skin cancer can happen to anyone at any time of the year. With more than five million new cases diagnosed each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in …

(BPT) - For the past few months, patients around the country have had to postpone elective surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re one of them, you're probably wondering when you may hear from your doctor about rescheduling that surgery. As states begin easing restrictions, hospitals…

(BPT) - Quite often, it is not until we have experienced a difficult situation like an accident, illness or COVID-19-related events that we start to appreciate employer-provided benefits like disability insurance and leave policies that protect income and jobs. According to a recent MetLife …

(BPT) - Face it, finding time to achieve your fitness goals while balancing work and home life can be a struggle. However, while many people are spending more time at home, here’s a great opportunity to start fresh with a new fitness routine.

(BPT) - “Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can,” wrote Danny Kaye, beloved Hollywood performer. Kaye’s advice certainly reflected his colorful career. It's true that the more one expands one’s palette of experiences, the more vibrant life becomes.

(BPT) - Allergy season is causing congestion, coughing, itchy eyes and other classic symptoms for people across the country. However, this year brings new concerns as COVID-19 has dramatically impacted everyone's lives, and people with asthma and allergies have many questions.

(BPT) - At a time when you may be craving comfort food more than ever, specialty cheeses make it easy to bring a little more indulgence — and a lot of flavor — to your home-cooked meals and snacks. Simply switching to different varieties, such as a buttery havarti or a sharp blue cheese, can…

(BPT) - Every year in the United States, more than half a million people with a thyroid nodule undergo testing to determine whether they have thyroid cancer. Recent research has shown that many of these patients aren’t fully informed about the possible outcomes of this testing and don’t know…

(BPT) - The global coronavirus pandemic has caused emotional distress and financial upheaval for people around the world. Many Americans are dealing with daunting issues that could jeopardize their financial future, whether it’s unexpected health care costs, unemployment and loss of income, …

(BPT) - In uncertain times, there is one source of comfort we can all agree upon, and it is the unconditional love provided by our beloved four-legged friends. Pets are family and are there for us when we need it most. And when tragedy strikes a family member, whether through a natural disas…

(BPT) - One of the longest economic expansions in American history may have come to an end in the face of a global pandemic. The economy today brings to mind for many the lessons of 2008-2009, during the Great Recession when millions of Americans on the doorstep of retirement watched helples…

(BPT) - When Ashley Fajardo tested positive for the Huntington’s disease gene at 18 years old, she was devastated but not surprised. Having lost her mother to the rare genetic disorder five years earlier, she knew her odds for having the gene were high.

(BPT) - If you have upcoming surgery planned, one of your concerns may be post-surgical pain. With all the news coverage about the opioid crisis in the United States, you probably have questions about the best kind of pain relief for you. You may want to know how you can recover quickly, wit…

(BPT) - As routines shift, people often have to make behavioral changes to adapt to their new daily schedules, which can come with excuses. Whether it’s learning to cook healthy meals more frequently, adapting to outdoor exercise or adjusting a skincare regimen, people tend to make excuses a…

(BPT) - You’ve probably heard the term “essential worker.” You might even know a few. Among them are those in the medical profession, education and food production. And they’re working hard to keep our nation going during the COVID-19 crisis.

(BPT) - When it comes to keeping your family and home safe, you’re probably familiar with the most common household hazards that can occur. And chances are you have taken precautions to prevent most hazards by installing devices like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.

(BPT) - For Dorothy, being diagnosed with bladder cancer almost four years ago reinforced the importance of living in the present and appreciating every moment. This holds true even in some of the most unique circumstances, Dorothy explains. “I had my 76th birthday party with my grandchildre…

(BPT) - It's early afternoon on a Thursday when Donna Portscher walks through the doors at a DaVita dialysis center in north Georgia. It is a familiar setting — the faces, the clean smell of a medical center and the sound of dialysis machines in the background. She pays visits to dialysis ce…

Having children is a great joy, but it also can be stressful. Pressures are plentiful, from making sure your child has the right gear to needing to help manage their school and social schedules. To intensify matters, COVID-19 has brought quarantines and social distancing around the world, an…

(BPT) - With COVID-19 changing the way we interact, gather and celebrate, many holidays will look different this year, including Memorial Day. But that doesn’t mean servicemembers, veterans and their families need our support any less.

(BPT) - Our nation is sharing in an experience with the COVID-19 crisis that will serve to reshape the future of our communities, our work, our families, and each and every individual. With so much attention focused on the diagnosis and treatment related to the virus, we recognize that those…

(BPT) - As recent months have demonstrated, stress is unavoidable. Now more than ever, it’s important to understand stress and how we can manage it. While stress can be beneficial, too much of it can be harmful. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health exp…

(BPT) - Since the COVID-19 outbreak, restrictions in daily activities and social interactions have caused a major shift in caregiving roles and responsibilities. Many people have found themselves acting as a full-time caregiver for the first time. Parents and guardians are teaching lessons a…

(BPT) - It’s not always easy to be at home with kids day after day, but with a little creativity, you can beat cabin fever. Whether you're in your own backyard or venturing out, there are plenty of things you can do to have fun together. Make sure to choose activities that are age-appropriat…

(BPT) - Whether it's a quaint patio, a simple garden, a rolling expanse of land or the many possibilities in between, the backyard is the perfect place to unwind. As people spend more time at home, creating a personal outdoor sanctuary is more important than ever before.

(BPT) - If you’re dreaming of summer, imagining how you could be relaxing with a good book in the shade, entertaining family in your outdoor kitchen, playing with the kids in the sunshine — or just breathing in the sights and sounds of nature in your own personal oasis — here are some tips t…

(BPT) - Working to survive is a reality for most Californians, especially those of us supporting young children or aging parents. And with that, it’s unavoidable that at some point we’ll need time off work to care for a family member in need. Yet, as evidenced by the recent COVID-19 pandemic…

(BPT) - As we all spend more time at home right now, it can be a great opportunity to get a head start on summer projects and begin tackling your list of home improvements, especially as we look toward warmer weather. One thing that often gets overlooked is regular deck cleanings. Since summ…

(BPT) - With social distancing and stay-at-home orders, you may not be able to go to health care appointments like you did before. For people who receive physical therapy (PT), this can impact their ability to heal fully, manage their conditions and feel their best. Fortunately, telehealth i…

(BPT) - It will take some time to adjust and recover from the major disruption experienced because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many consumers are figuring out how to cope with challenges when it comes to their financial health.

(BPT) - Across the country, temporary school closures are forcing kids into instant distance learning environments for the remainder of the school year. Parents are trying to work their day job while simultaneously educating kids. For most, there isn’t ever enough time in a day to handle bot…

(BPT) - Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys and for those affected by this condition, nearly 50% will experience End State Renal Disease (ESRD) by age 60. According to the National Kidney Foundation, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPK…

(BPT) - In the U.S. alone, 28.1 million people are living with diabetes, and an added 7.2 million are living with undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the American Diabetes Association reports that 84 million American adults h…